UK refuses entry to new Mossad agent

The UK refuses to accept a new representative of Israel’s Mossad spy agency after Israeli operatives used fake British passports in the killing of a Hamas leader in Dubai.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday that despite a former agreement to replace a former agent expelled in March, London refused entry to a new operative.

“We have had no approach from the Israelis about a replacement. However, we look to Israel to rebuild the trust we believe is required for the full and open relationship we would like,” a Foreign Office spokesman told the daily.

The Israeli diplomat — believed to be a Mossad agent in London — was expelled after Israeli operatives used British passports in the assassination of senior Hamas commander Mahmud al-Mabhuh in Dubai on January 19.

The assassination was carried out by a terror team comprised of twelve British, six Irish, four French, three Australian and a German passport holder believed to have been Mossad agents, according to Dubai police.

According to the Foreign Office spokesman, officials in London expect Tel Aviv to provide “specific assurances” that it would never use British passports in its operations.

“Any Israeli request for the diplomat to be replaced would be considered against the context of these UK requests,” he added.

The report comes as Israel is mainly concerned about its ties with the United Kingdom ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled to be held this week.